Submission hunting is exciting, but beginners often waste energy on low-percentage attempts. Focus on these five fundamental submissions first. They work at every level from white belt to black belt.
The Rear Naked Choke
The highest-percentage submission in BJJ. If you get the back, you should finish the choke.
Key Details
- One arm under their chin, one arm behind their head
- Elbows together, pull back
- Do not cross your feet (ankle lock risk)
- Use hooks or body triangle to control
When to Go For It
Any time you secure back mount with both hooks in. This is your highest-percentage finish.
The Triangle Choke
Works from guard, versatile, available from many positions.
Key Details
- One arm in, one arm out
- Legs locked around neck and arm
- Pull down on head, squeeze knees
- Angle your body for tighter squeeze
When to Go For It
When they have one arm between your legs and posture is broken.
The Armbar from Guard
Classic submission, fundamental mechanics apply to all joint locks.
Key Details
- Control their arm, thumb pointing up
- Legs across their chest/face
- Hips up, pull down on arm
- Tighten by squeezing knees
When to Go For It
When they extend an arm in your guard with poor posture.
The Guillotine Choke
Front headlock choke, available from standing or guard.
Key Details
- Wrist deep on their throat
- Other arm wraps behind their head
- Squeeze, pull up with choking arm
- Can finish from closed guard or standing
When to Go For It
When their head is low and you can wrap their neck.
The Americana (Kimura)
Shoulder lock from side control or guard.
Key Details
- Control their wrist
- Thread your arm behind their elbow
- Figure-4 grip
- Rotate arm toward their back
When to Go For It
From side control when their arm is flat on mat, elbow away from body.
Training These Submissions
Drill the Setup
Practice getting to the position, not just the finish. No submission works without proper setup.
Drill Both Sides
Be equally dangerous on left and right.
Start from Specific Positions
Have training partners start with you already in the submission position. Learn the finish before the entry.
Common Beginner Mistakes
- Focusing on submissions over position
- Ignoring defense to chase finishes
- Giving up dominant position for low-percentage subs
- Not controlling opponent before attacking
Bottom Line
Master these five submissions before expanding your arsenal. Each works at every belt level, chains into others, and teaches fundamental mechanics. A white belt who can finish a rear naked choke is more dangerous than a blue belt who knows 50 submissions poorly.